1977: Apple is selling its Apple II
for $1,195, including 16K of RAM but no monitor.

Software Arts develops the first
spreadsheet program, Visicalc, by the spring of 1979. It is released in October
and is an immediate success. Copies shipped per month rise from 500 to 12,000
between 1979 and 1981.

By 1980 Apple has captured 50% of the
personal computer market.

In 1980 Microsoft is approached by
IBM to develop BASIC for its personal computer project. The IBM PC is released
in August, 1981.

The Apple Macintosh debuts in 1984. It features a
simple, graphical interface, uses the 8-MHz, 32-bit Motorola 68000 CPU, and has a
built-in 9-inch B/W screen.